Is your carpet starting to look worse for wear? Few things can make or break the overall feel of a room more quickly than stained, dingy carpets.
Whether from regular day-to-day use, pet accidents, or something else, cleaning and restoring your carpets is often essential to keep them looking their best.
But instead of breaking out the heavy-duty tools and industrial cleaning solutions, why not try some simple DIY options first? In this blog post, we’ll explore easy hacks that every homeowner should know when caring for their carpets.
Read on to find out how to ensure your unique floor coverings remain in perfect condition! Our team here at QC Flooring Ltd have been operating as Milton Keynes’s best carpet suppliers for several years; during this time, we have kept our knowledge up to date on the best maintenance tips, and this includes internet hacks!
To learn more or order your brand-new carpet, contact our team!
Use A Squeegee To Remove Pet Hair
Using a squeegee to remove pet hair from your carpet is surprisingly effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Purchase a Squeegee
Squeegees are generally used for cleaning windows or shower doors but are excellent at removing pet hair from carpets. You can purchase one at a home improvement store or online.
Prepare Your Carpet
Begin by vacuuming your carpet to remove loose dirt and dust. This will make it easier for the squeegee to focus on the stubborn pet hair embedded into the carpet’s fibres.
Squeegee the Carpet
Hold the squeegee in your hand as if you are going to clean a window, but instead of cleaning vertically, you’ll want to use horizontal motions. Starting from one end of the carpet, press down and drag the squeegee towards you. This should start to gather up the pet hair.
Collect the Pet Hair
After a few strokes, you should see a pile of pet hair forming. Collect this and dispose of it in a trash bag. Continue this process across the entire carpet.
Repeat If Necessary
If you have a pet that sheds a lot, you may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the hair.
Clean the Squeegee
After you’re done, clean your squeegee with warm soapy water, dry it, and store it for next time.
A squeegee can help remove even the most stubborn pet hair from your carpet. It’s a cost-effective and straightforward method that doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals or specialised equipment.
You may be surprised at how much pet hair you can remove with this method, especially if regular vacuuming needs to do the trick.
Always Blot Your Carpet Spills, Never Rub!
When dealing with spills on your carpet, it’s crucial always to blot and never rub.
Rubbing a spill can cause it to spread, potentially making the stain bigger and pushing it deeper into the carpet fibres. On the other hand, blotting — applying small amounts of pressure to the spill — helps to lift the stain without spreading it.
Always use a clean, dry, absorbent cloth, and start blotting from outside the spill, working towards the centre.
This will control the spill from spreading further. Blotting might not remove the stain altogether, but it will significantly lessen its impact, making it easier to clean later with appropriate carpet cleaning products.
Use An Iron To Remove Carpet Stains
Ironing can be an unconventional yet effective way to remove certain carpet stains. To begin, vacuum the area to eliminate dust and lose particles. Then, dampen a clean, white cloth or a towel with a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water.
Lay the cloth over the stained area, completely covering the stain. Next, set your iron to the steam setting without too much heat, as too much heat can potentially damage the carpet fibres. Gently run the iron over the cloth for a few seconds.
The combined heat and moisture should lift the stain into the cloth. Lift the cloth to check the progress; repeat the process until the stain is completely gone. Be careful not to leave the iron in one place for too long, as this can damage the carpet.
Always test this method in a small, hidden area first to ensure the carpet colour doesn’t fade or change.
Use Baking Soda To Remove Pet Accidents
Baking soda can be an incredibly effective and natural solution for removing pet accidents from carpets. When an accident happens, begin by blotting up as much of the mess as possible with paper towels. Next, generously sprinkle baking soda over the affected area.
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and will help neutralise any lingering odours. Let it sit on the spot for 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum up the baking soda.
For tougher stains, consider making a baking soda paste with water, applying it to the stain, letting it dry, and then vacuuming.
Remember always to test this method in a hidden area first to ensure it does not affect the colour or texture of your carpet. While baking soda can help with odours and minor discolouration, it may not remove deeper, more severe stains altogether.
A specialised pet stain remover or professional cleaning may be required.
Nail Polish Spill – Reach For The Rubbing Alcohol
If you accidentally spill nail polish on your carpet, don’t panic. Rubbing alcohol can be a helpful tool in your cleaning arsenal. Firstly, if the polish is still wet, blot as much of it as you can with a paper towel or a clean cloth — remember blot, don’t rub.
Once you’ve removed as much polish as possible, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol. Carefully dab the stain, starting from the outer edges and working your way in, to prevent the stain from spreading.
It’s important not to drench the area with rubbing alcohol as it can seep into the carpet backing and potentially damage it. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with cold water, then blot it dry.
Testing this method on a small, hidden portion of your carpet is always recommended to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration.
Make Your Own Carpet DIY Deep Clean Solution
Creating your DIY deep cleaning solution for carpets can be cost-effective and efficient. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
1 cup of white vinegar
2 cups of warm water
2 tsp of salt
15 drops of essential oil (optional, for a pleasant scent; lavender and lemon are popular choices)
Procedure:
Mix the ingredients
Combine the vinegar and warm water in a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Next, add the salt. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
Add the essential oil
If you want your carpet to smell fresh after cleaning, add your chosen essential oil. Stir well to make sure the oil is evenly distributed in the solution.
Apply the solution
Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application. Spray the solution evenly over your carpet, covering any stained or high-traffic areas.
Scrub
Gently scrub the carpet with a soft brush or a clean cloth. The solution’s vinegar and salt will help break down dirt and stains, while the essential oil will leave your carpet smelling fresh.
Rinse and dry
After scrubbing, rinse the carpet with warm water and blot it dry using clean towels. Allow the carpet to air dry completely before walking on it.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to test any DIY solution on a small, hidden carpet area first to ensure it won’t cause discolouration or damage.
Note
This DIY solution is best for lighter maintenance cleaning and may only partially handle heavier or set-in stains. A professional cleaning service or a commercial carpet cleaner might be necessary for more severe stains or deep cleaning.
Use Ice Cubes To Fluff Your Carpet After Moving Furniture
Using ice cubes to fluff your carpet after moving furniture is a simple and effective trick. When you move furniture in one place for a long time, you’ll often notice unsightly dents in your carpet. Here’s how you can use ice cubes to restore those areas:
Start by placing an ice cube, or several if the dent is significant, right into the indentations. Let the ice cubes melt slowly. As they melt, the water will penetrate the carpet fibres, making them more flexible and allowing them to return to their original shape.
After the ice cubes have fully melted, wait a few hours for the carpet to absorb the water. You can then use a clean, dry towel to blot any excess moisture from the carpet.
Finally, gently fluff the carpet fibres with a fork or a spoon. Lift them upright to restore the carpet’s natural texture. If necessary, let the area dry completely before moving any furniture back. This is a simple, cost-effective method to rid your carpets of those annoying dents left by furniture.
Speak To QC Flooring For New Carpets & Tips For Keeping It Fresh
Taking care of your carpets regularly shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a big task and requires effort and dedication to get it right.
However, the results can be worth it in the end. Homeowners should know these hacks for carpet cleaning to keep their carpets looking beautiful and clean for many years.
To ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently, hiring a professional carpet cleaner such as QC Flooring Ltd may be beneficial for deep cleaning and removing dirt or allergens from within the fibres of your carpets.
With maintenance and essential tips, special attention must be given to eliminating bacteria growth or foreign invaders.
If you are ready to have carpets professionally installed, contact QC Flooring Ltd today for quality services that guarantee lasting customer satisfaction. As always, happy, healthy carpets are the best!
